Pella Regional Health Center had a record number of babies born in their Obstetrics Department in 2016.

Director of OB Services Karen Westercamp tells KNIA/KRLS News they reached 500 babies born on December 7th, and hit 536 just before the end of the year. Westercamp credits the increase to an expansion of services at their area medical clinics, including Ottumwa, and a decrease of OB providers in rural hospitals.

Pella Regional Health Center is in the process of adding a third floor, which will include an expanded obstetrics department to accommodate the growth of babies born at the hospital.